Hours of Service
Hours of Service Basics: The Clocks Every Driver Must Know
The 11-hour, 14-hour, and 70-hour clocks explained simply — so your logbook stays clean and your CDL stays yours.
Shawn Gresham
Shawn Gresham has 17 years behind the wheel with zero violations and trains new CDL drivers in Dalton, GA.
Last updated July 5, 2026
Why HOS matters
Hours of Service rules exist to keep tired drivers off the road. Break them and you risk your log, your CDL, and your safety.
The three clocks
Think of HOS as three clocks running at once: driving time, on-duty window, and your weekly total.
Keeping it clean
Your ELD does the tracking, but you're responsible for knowing where you stand before you turn the key.
Bottom line
Know your clocks cold, and the log takes care of itself.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 14-hour rule?
Once you go on duty, you have a 14-hour window to complete your driving for that shift, even if you take breaks.
Sources
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